Churchgoers shot dead by gunman

A gunman has killed at least 27 people in a shooting rampage at a Baptist church in Texas.

At least another 20 others were also wounded in the attack in Sutherland Springs, a small community 30 miles south east of San Antonio, said Albert Gamez, a Wilson County commissioner.

Wilson County Sheriff Joe Tackitt said the man walked into the church and opened fire on the congregation.

He told the Wilson County News that the gunman was then “taken down” after fleeing the scene of the massacre.

The gunman escaped in a vehicle, another official said, and was killed either by a self-inflicted wound or during a confrontation with police who pursued him into a neighbouring county.

Emergency services rushed to the church and local media showed helicopters airlifting victims to nearby hospitals.

One hospital in Floresville, Texas, about 10 miles from the shooting, said they were treating “multiple” victims with gunshot wounds.

Connally Memorial Medical Centre spokeswoman Megan Posey declined to say how many patients were being treated at the hospital, but said the number was less than a dozen.

US President Donald Trump tweeted from Japan, where he is at the start of a 12-day Asia trip, that he is monitoring the situation in Texas.

He tweeted: “May God be w/ the people of Sutherland Springs, Texas.”

Texas Governor Greg Abbott called the attack an “evil act”.

Picture: Getty. The scene outside the church after the shootings.